Alkaloid that inhibits biosynthesis of microtoxins and method for screening for mycotoxin inhibitors

Abstract

The present invention provides an alkaloid compound that is an inhibitor of mycotoxin biosynthesis. The alkaloid is an alkenyl piperidine amide wherein the alkenyl is a C18 alkenyl with one or more double bonds. The alkaloid inhibits transcription of the fungus genes nor-1, tri5 and ipnA. The present invention further provides a method for identifying compounds, which inhibit biosynthesis of aflatoxin in Aspergillus spp. and deoxynivalenol in Gibberella spp. without inhibiting growth of the fungus in vitro.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A substantially pure compound isolated from  Piper nigrum  consisting essentially an alkenylene piperidine amide wherein the alkenylene is a C18 alkenylene with four double bonds. 
     
     
       2. A formulation which consists essentially of as an active ingredient an alkenylene piperidine amide isolated from  Piper nigrum  wherein the alkenyl is a C18 alkenylene with four double bonds, or its salt, or its ester, and one or more acceptable carriers, excipients or vehicles therefor for use in inhibiting mycotoxin biosynthesis in fungi.